-- and become the tourism standard-bearer for the Island.

Government senator Jerome Dill threw down the gauntlet at a speech to St.

George's Rotary Club.

The United Bermuda Party candidate for Pembroke West Central said it was "a travesty'' not more was being done to tap the town's rich history.

And he urged the Corporation of St. George's and the Chamber of Commerce to take up the tourism drive.

They should bear the principle responsibility for leading the way -- not Government, he added.

"St. George's, you really have the opportunity to make the place a leader for tourism.'' Sen. Dill said cruise ship passengers tended to spend outside the town.

"What can you do in St. George's to entice the passengers to spend more time and money?'' he asked.

He suggested walking tours around the town should be stepped up. These should take in the historical attractions, including the forts, he said.

It was also not enough to simply pedestrianise Water Street to increase its appeal. "You will need street bands, outside cafes, and other forms of attractions,'' Sen. Dill suggested.

He went on to praise the "half a dozen'' major events staged annually.

But he stressed it was important to brighten up the town every day.

Earlier, Sen. Dill poured scorn on Bermuda Hotel Association's projected low summer occupancy levels.

These were meaningless and "absolutely useless'' because of late bookings by tourists, he said.

Sen. Dill said the BHA's projections for June had been 38 percent -- but occupancy levels for that month turned out to be 83 percent.

He also dismissed suggestions tourists were spending less.

"They are spending. The problem is there are fewer and fewer of them,'' he said.

Sen. Dill also urged hoteliers to improve the quality of service.

"They are going to be in some severe difficulty if they don't offer more than they have historically,'' he said.